Nigeria’s D’Tigress lost 74-88 to the U.S. women’s basketball team in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday night.
Despite their reputation for physical play, the Nigerians held their own in the early minutes against the formidable Americans. A’Ja Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP, led the U.S. with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jackie Young added 15 points, and Breanna Stewart, another two-time WNBA MVP, contributed 13 points.
The U.S. will face Australia in the semi-finals on Friday, after the Opals defeated Serbia 85-67.
France beat Germany 84-71 to set up a semi-final clash with Belgium, who overcame Spain 79-66.
LeBron James and Bam Adebayo, who have a night off before their men’s semi-final against Serbia, watched the game alongside swimming legends Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.
Diana Taurasi, aiming to become the first basketball player to win six Olympic gold medals, came off the bench and hit a three-pointer to give the U.S. a 24-12 lead late in the first quarter.
A steal and layup by Promise Amukamara brought Nigeria closer, but the Americans responded with a run each time.
The U.S. closed the first half on a 14-4 surge, with Stewart’s three-pointer and layup extending the lead to 52-33 at halftime.
The U.S. started the third quarter with a 10-0 run, pushing the lead to 76-46 before Amukamara’s steal and layup ended the quarter.
Despite a strong performance from Nigeria, with Amukamara scoring 19 points and Ezinne Kalu adding 16, the U.S. proved too powerful.
Next, the U.S. will face Australia, who had 22 points and 13 rebounds from Alanna Smith in their win over Serbia.
The Australians, silver medallists in 2000, 2004, and 2008, are back in the semi-finals for the first time since 2012.
Australia shot 58 percent in the first half, outscoring Serbia 22-11 in the second quarter to take control. “In tournaments like this, how you start is how you finish, and we wanted to come out throwing the first punch,” said Smith.
Belgium, making their first semi-final appearance, will face Tokyo bronze medallists France.
The hosts impressed, with Marine Johannes leading the way, supported by Gabby Williams and Alexia Chartereau. France opened the second quarter with a 17-5 run and led by 19 in the fourth.
Nyara Sabally, returning from a head injury, scored 20 points for Germany, but they struggled against France’s defense, hitting only four of 14 three-point attempts.
Fans at Bercy Arena celebrated as the final seconds ticked down, despite a brief disruption when a man tried to run onto the court but was quickly stopped by security.
